Exploring patients’ views on robot-assisted mastectomy

The Royal Marsden has already pioneered robot-assisted surgery, initially in urological surgery where it is now mainstream, and subsequently in surgery for gynaecological, liver, upper gastrointestinal, colorectal, head and neck cancers.

In breast surgery, mastectomy remains a common surgical procedure for cancer treatment and for risk reduction in women with high genetic risk. Until now robot-assistance has not been feasible. Surgery is therefore performed using an “open” technique via an incision on or close to the breast through which surgeons struggle to reach and see into the furthest areas.

However, advances in available robots enable a single robotic port to be placed, through which several articulated instruments and a high-quality camera can reach to give a clear view and easy access to the operative area.

Studies from South Korea, the USA and Italy suggest that a minimally invasive (robot-assisted) approach to mastectomy may offer potential benefits. It can be carried out with smaller incisions away from the breast and may lead to fewer complications, quicker recovery, and improved cosmetic outcomes.

These are exciting possibilities and need robust assessment. Therefore we need to carry out research to compare robotic mastectomy with conventional open mastectomy. We are seeking opinions from women who have undergone mastectomy with immediate implant-based reconstruction as to whether they would have been interested in participating in a trial comparing robot-assisted mastectomy with conventional open surgery. Please fill out this survey and share with others who might be interested.